Natural Gas Pipelines are Aging Beneath Our Feet

Did you know that much of the natural gas utilities’ distribution system was built in the 1970s and can’t meet peak demand without shutting off some users? Insufficient supply raises electricity costs and natural gas prices.

If you're thinking about switching to gas - or just looking for the truth about natural gas supply and services - you've come to the right place.

Before you switch to natural gas, you should know:

Interruptible Supply and Gas Prices

The current natural gas pipeline transmission system is insufficient, which leads to higher natural gas prices.

Utilities need to shut off natural gas service to large users like schools, hospitals and factories to have enough supply for high-demand periods.

These "interruptible" users turn to heating oil when the gas company shuts them off.

Pipeline Capacity and Leaks

Much of the natural gas pipeline system is old, deteriorating and leaking, leading to environmental and safety concerns.

Natural gas utilities want you to pay for their new pipelines, even if you don't heat your home with natural gas.

Natural gas pipelines need to be shut down during road construction, pipeline repair work and during emergency situations or extreme weather events, which can leave homeowners without heat for hours or even days.

A report for Congress reveals that consumers paid $20 billion for gas that they never received, because of pipeline leaks and other lost gas.

Gas companies make money for leaking pipes because the customers pay for the gas even though it never reached the home.

In 2011, utilities nationwide released enough gas into the atmosphere to meet Maine's energy needs for a year.

Stick with Oilheat

Oilheat is delivered to you regularly by a local heating oil dealer.

With Oilheat, you only pay for what is delivered to your property from metered delivery trucks.